Acorn squash is a traditional Thanksgiving side, but since your oven is pretty busy that day it’s good to have an alternate cooking method available. Making acorn squash in the crock pot is so easy I doubt I’ll use my oven again!
Ingredients needed
- Acorn Squash
- Butter
- Brown sugar
How to cook acorn squash in a crock pot
The first step, of course, is to cut the squash and remove the seeds and membrane. Before you cut, decide how you want to serve the squash. If you plan to serve a bowl of whipped/pureed squash, then you only need to cut in halves. Plan for about 3 hours cooking time for this option, but once cooked it is easier to simply scoop the cooked squash out of the halves and mix before serving.
I sometimes like to make smaller slices of the squash before cooking. These are a little more “single serving” sized, which can form a more attractive display when serving. These also have the benefit of cooking much faster, typically 1½ - 2 hours is enough, depending upon the size of your slices.
Whichever way you slice, place them in the crock pot skin side down. Cover and cook on high 1½ - 2 hours for small slices and 3 hours for halves.
Flavor options
Simple pureed squash has a distinct flavor all its own. I will always associate this flavor with Thanksgiving. I piled a ton of butter on it as a kid.
Most people also like brown sugar on their acorn squash, which gives it a wonderful sweet and savory taste.
These flavors can be added before or after cooking. Or both – no judgement here!
To add before, melt a little butter and stir in brown sugar to form a paste. Then, use a small spoon and pastry brush to cover the upper surface of the squash wedge with the brown sugar paste. This sugary paste will lightly caramelize while the squash cooks and provide an extra bit of sweetness in every bite.
You can also add butter and brown sugar when cooking squash halves. For this option, I like to poke holes in the surface with a fork and then add butter and brown sugar to the cavity. The holes help the butter-sugar goodness to seep into the squash a little more.
Making your acorn squash in a crockpot is an "easy button", which we all need for Thanksgiving cooking!
Acorn Squash in the Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1½ - 2 pounds acorn squash
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membrane.
- Cut each half into wedges.
- Place wedges skin side down in large crock pot.
- Melt butter and add brown sugar. Stir to make a thick paste. Spread the butter-sugar paste on the upper surface of each wedge.
- Cover crockpot and cook on high for 1½ hours. Check wedges for “doneness” by piercing with a fork. If needed, cover and cook 30 minutes more.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Big Trouble
Good universe, just reading about the squash makes my mouth water! I love the butter and brown sugar paste--very smart! And using the crock pot is genius! Plus, it smells up the whole house and is so good!!! Another great recipe, Sula!
Sula
There's just something special about acorn squash!
Emily Flint
We love all squash in my house and I had no idea you could cook it in the crockpot. This was so easy and turned out perfectly! Thanks for the great recicpe.
Sula
You're welcome! Figuring out a crockpot method was a game changer for me!
Alyssa Hixenbaugh
This recipe is perfectly simple. I love any kind of squash, especially when it’s lightly sweetened. Thanks for sharing!
Sula
I agree, I love being able to cook it so easily!
Gabriela Herrera
I have a baby acorn squash waiting to be made. Gonna have to make this today. Looks delicious.
Sula
Ah, perfect!
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/
This sounds so easy to make, it would be a pitty not to give it a go!
Sula
Its about as easy as it can get!
Gina Abernathy
Great recipe! My family loves squash. This recipe is a win for me because I can use the crock pot to prepare this dish.
Sula
It really makes it so easy!
Adrianne
I have never tried cooking this in my Slow Cooker before and am intrigued!! I love how healthy it is and we all need to eat more vegetables! Thanks for sharing.
Sula
It's surprisingly easy to make acorn squash in a crockpot - I hope you give it a try!
Mahy
This recipe came to timely - just what I have been looking for! I had everything planned except for a good side. Well, I've got it all ready now! 🙂
Sula
It will be the perfect side to your meal!
adriana
I enjoy acorn squash, and baking is my preferred cooking technique, but cooking it in the slow cooker sounds like a good option.
Sula
It really comes in handy for those days when you need the oven for so many other things!
Emily Liao
Love how I can make this right in the crock pot! My squash came out so tender.
Sula
Tender and moist - just how acorn squash is best!
Priya Lakshminarayan
I have never cooked with acorn...thanks for this, I will try it
Sula
It's delicious and healthy! I hope you try it soon.
Jenn
I love this recipe! I'm always looking for new plant-based recipes and this one, made in teh crock pot, is so easy and soo good!
Sula
Yes, it's always good to have an easy button, especially for any holiday meal!